Renfrew boss Jimmy Quigley believes his players have the “bit between their teeth” after strengthening their grip on top spot.
The New Western Park club made it back-to-back wins against WoSFL Second Division title rivals Craigmark Burntonians last Friday night.
While the visitors opened the spot from the penalty spot in the second half, ‘Frew substitute James MacLennan made an instant impact when he fired the home side level shortly after climbing off the bench.
And Ciaran Diver secured all three points when he netted from a penalty at the second attempt, the prolific striker netting in his ninth consecutive game.
The crucial win sees Renfrew sitting seven points clear of nearest challengers Ashfield, with Maybole and Craigmark now unable to overtake Quigley’s men even if they won all their games in hand.
And Quigley paid tribute to his squad for showing great unity as they continue to hunt down the league title with just six games left to play.
He told Renfrewshire Live Sport: “We switched the game to Friday night because we thought we’d get a bigger crowd than on the Saturday when the Old Firm were playing.
“We also wanted to try and post another three points early to put the pressure on the chasing pack and thankfully we managed to do just that. It was a great game.
“We dominated the first half but missed a couple of good chances.
“We also had two stonewall penalties turned down. They had a penalty shout that should have been given too and then the penalty we did get, the foul was about three yards outside the box!
“Diver stepped up and managed to put it away after the keeper saved his initial effort and it was a big three points.
“It shows the resilience this group of boys have and we’ve got the bit between our teeth now.
“Craigmark are pretty much out of the title race, unless we start to drop a lot of points, and it was great to see the celebrations after Diver’s goal.
“The boys on the bench were all up celebrating like they were playing and it shows they’re all in it for each other.
“We’ve got a good squad unity at the moment and that’s important for every team.”
Renfrew welcome mid-table Muirkirk Juniors to New Western Park this Saturday afternoon, with Quigley’s in-form side looking to further extend their lead at the top after winning seven of their last eight matches.
He added: “We’ve been at the top of the league since the season started and we’re determined not to lose it now.
“We just need to stay focused on ourselves and not worry about what anyone else is doing.”
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